Equine hoof pulsed electromagnetic field therapy system and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is an assembly or system and apparatus for applying pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) coils to the underside of an equine hoof. The PEMF coil is encased in an elastomer structure to form a “puck” that will protect the coils from moisture, dirt and damage from rough use. The coil, and preferably a puck containing the coil may suitably be placed on, in or under an elastomeric orthotic pad that is disposed in a suitable equine boot.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An assembly for applying pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) coils beneath an equine hoof comprising a pulsing electromagnetic field treatment coil encased in an elastomer structure, disposed in an equine boot wherein the pulsing electromagnetic field treatment coil has 6-18 turns to form complete loops and has connection means on each end of the coil for connection to a pulsing electromagnetic field generator. 
     
     
       2. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the elastomer structure is polyurethane. 
     
     
       3. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the coil comprises at least two layers of PEMF coils placed substantially on top of each other. 
     
     
       4. The assembly of  claim 1  comprising an equine boot having disposed therein a removable elastomeric orthotic pad having a top side and underside and wherein there is disposed on, or in or under the orthotic pad a pulsing electromagnetic field treatment coil encased in an elastomer structure. 
     
     
       5. The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the encased coil is disposed in a cavity on the underside of the orthotic pad. 
     
     
       6. The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the equine boot comprises an upper section made from flexible material and an enclosed bottom section, the upper section shaped to fit around the hoof of a horse and of a height to reach above the hoof of a horse, having a front, sides, and rear, a fastening means to fasten the front and rear together around a leg of a horse, and a bottom section made of an elastomer attached to the upper section of sufficient height and strength to constrain the deformation of a cushioning pad placed therein and compressed by the weight of a horse's hoof; and
 an elastomer orthotic pad of Shore 00 hardness of between 5 and 70 disposed over the bottom section of the equine boot. 
 
     
     
       7. The assembly of  claim 4  wherein the equine boot comprises a removable elastomeric shock absorbing pad disposed inside the boot and having a pressure pulsing means disposed under or within the shock absorbing pad. 
     
     
       8. The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the removable shock absorbing pad is elastomeric and has the pressure pulsing means molded as an integral part of the elastomeric shock absorbing pad. 
     
     
       9. The assembly of  claim 7  wherein the pressure pulsing means is connected to a pressure source for inflating the pulsing means and a pressure relief means to release pressure and thereby deflate the pulsing means. 
     
     
       10. The assembly of  claim 1  wherein the encased coil is entirely enclosed in an elastomeric orthotic pad. 
     
     
       11. The assembly of  claim 10  wherein the orthotic pad is made of polyurethane and the coil is encased in polyurethane. 
     
     
       12. The assembly of  claim 1  also comprising a pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) generator connected to the PEMF coils.